Performance of a variable-rate distribution system for simultaneous fertilizer application

Abstract

A B S T R A C TThe objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a variable-rate fertilizer distribution system for coffee crop, simultaneously applying two products. Two types of tests were performed: transversal deposition and longitudinal deposition. The transversal deposition test, with tarps, aimed to quantify the variations between programmed and applied doses, using a completely randomized design (CRD), in a factorial scheme, and the Scott-Knott test at p < 0.05. The longitudinal deposition test aimed to determine the distribution characteristics of the equipment along the displacement line, based on relative frequency values. In addition, the application rates on both sides of the distribution system were analysed using a CRD and the Scott-Knott test at p < 0.05. The application variation in the transversal deposition test with tarps was 1.59%. The variable-rate distribution system remained stable regarding the longitudinal deposition, regardless of any interaction.Desempenho de um sistema de distribuição de fertilizantes de aplicação simultânea a taxa variável R E S U M O Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o desempenho de um sistema de distribuição de fertilizantes a uma taxa variável para a cultura do café aplicando dois produtos simultaneamente. Realizaram-se dois tipos de ensaio: o de deposição transversal e de deposição longitudinal utilizando-se, nesses ensaios, delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em esquema fatorial sendo realizado o teste de Scott-Knott a 0,05 de probabilidade. Nos ensaios de deposição transversal objetivou-se quantificar as variações entre as doses programadas e aplicadas enquanto os ensaios de deposição longitudinal tiveram, como objetivo, a determinação das características de distribuição do equipamento ao longo da linha de deslocamento analisados através de valores de frequência relativa; outro fator analisado foi o comportamento de aplicação das doses nos dois lados de distribuição do sistema; observou-se que a variação de aplicação no ensaio de deposição transversal com lonas foi de -1,59%; o sistema de distribuição a uma taxa variável se manteve estável em relação à deposição longitudinal independente de qualquer interação.

Fertilizer Metering Mechanism With Helical Conic Cylindrical Thread for Family Agriculture

“…Kim et al (2008) evaluated the fertilizer flow of a granulated fertilizer pneumatic applicator and showed that for the granulated fertilizer formula 22-12-12, the coefficients of variation ranged from 6% to 11%. Barros et al (2016) evaluated the performance of a variable-rate fertilizer distribution system for coffee crops. Two types of tests were performed: transverse deposition and longitudinal deposition.…”

Technical and economic evaluation of different operating modes for mechanized fertilizer application in coffee plantations

“…The machine for fertilizer and soil correctives application is composed by a regular fertilizer spreader and an electronic system, which enables the application of products at variable rates (Barros et al, 2016). The machine had a load volume of 1.2 m 3 , a length of 3.36 m, a height of 1.40 m, a gauge of 1.24 m and a total width of 2.15 m, including the deflectors.…”

Characterization of the Transverse Distribution of Fertilizer in Coffee Plantations

“…The machine evaluated was a spreader for the distribution of fertilizers and soil correctives, equipped with a VRA system adapted by Barros et al (2016) [13]. The spreader had a load volume of 1.2 m 3 , with a length of 3.36 m, a height of 1.40 m and a total width 2.15 m including deflectors.…”

“…Studies have been performed with the aim of developing and evaluating equipment for VRA but in the scope of coffee production there are very few studies on this subject [9,13]. As these studies followed ISO 5690/1 guidelines, the caveats presented above were not considered.…”